What services are included in the Ordering Support Fee for Auntie Annes franchisees?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
The Support Services will be provided during the hours and days specified in Schedule A.
- a.
Comprehensive Support.
Franchisee shall receive Comprehensive Support (as more fully described in Schedule A), which shall be subject to the Comprehensive Support Fee (as defined in Schedule A).
- b.
Billable Support.
Franchisee may request, and Company may, in its sole discretion, provide Billable Support (as more fully described in Schedule A), which shall be subject to the Billable Support Fee.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 106)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to have a point of sale (POS) system that meets the franchisor's minimum specifications and to obtain support for this system from an approved supplier, which may include Auntie Annes or its affiliates. The POS System Support Services Agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which Auntie Annes' affiliate provides support for the POS system.
The support services are divided into two categories: Comprehensive Support and Billable Support. Franchisees receive Comprehensive Support, which is subject to a Comprehensive Support Fee, and may request Billable Support, which is subject to a Billable Support Fee, at the company's discretion. The specific details of what is included in Comprehensive Support and Billable Support are described in Schedule A of the agreement.
To receive support services, the POS system must be in good operating condition and meet the minimum specifications, including standard hardware and software requirements. The support does not cover hardware and software that are not part of the minimum specifications or software no longer supported by the licensor. Franchisees are responsible for implementing temporary procedures to ensure continuous operation and for backing up their own files, data, and programs. Auntie Annes retains the right to determine whether the POS system meets the requirements for support services.
Auntie Annes also reserves the right to amend Schedule A to reflect changes in support services or service fees, providing franchisees with at least 90 days' notice via email or updates to the manuals. Franchisees are obligated to pay the Comprehensive Support Fee monthly through electronic funds transfer, with payments starting the month after the store's opening date. The document does not specify the exact services included in the Ordering Support Fee, but it does state that the details are available in Schedule A.